Import from Hong Kong

Paperwork Needed for Importing from Hong Kong

When preparing to import to the UK from Hong Kong, you’ll need to prepare the following:

• Customs declaration – this is a document that gives the details of the goods you are importing from Hong Kong. It can be lodged either by you or your broker or freight forwarder.
• Commodity code – this is a ten-digit number that classifies imports from outside the EU. It identifies the rates of duty and VAT you’ll pay and any restrictions there are on your items.
• EORI number – this is a registration and identification number for anyone importing goods into the UK.
• Import licences – this is not needed for most goods, but some do need licences. These include military goods, technology, art, plants, animals, medicines and chemicals.

Import Duties and Taxes Hong Kong to the UK

The number of duties and taxes payable on your goods from Hong Kong will depend on their commodity codes, as well as the overall purchase and shipping value of the shipment.

The UK does not currently have a trade agreement with Hong Kong. Therefore, the usual third-nation tariffs apply. This means that customs duties will apply to items with a value greater than £135.

The exact amount of duty you’ll have to pay will depend on the commodity codes, which can you can check on the government Trade Tariff website.

Your items won’t make it past the UK border until you’ve paid all the required duties. If you don’t, UK customs may confiscate your items, and in serious cases even issue a fine.

VAT on Imports Hong Kong to the UK

Value Added Tax (VAT) also needs to be paid on anything imported into the UK from Hong Kong. This is calculated on top of import duties and is at the same rate if you had bought the items in the UK – 20%.

Importantly, it also includes the door-to-port cost of shipping the items to the UK. It, therefore, doesn’t disadvantage companies far from UK ports.

If your EORI number is linked to your UK VAT number, you can claim back the VAT on your normal VAT return by using HMRC form C79.

You don’t need to worry about paying VAT twice when you import from Hong Kong, as it doesn’t have VAT, goods and services tax, or sales tax.

Sea or Air Freight from Hong Kong?

If you have a large shipment, or if your deadlines aren’t urgent, sea freight is probably your best option. If you choose sea freight, delivery will take around 1 month from Hong Kong, with the ship passing through the Suez Canal on its way to the UK.

Air freight is likely the best option for you if you have loads under 100kg, or your items are high value or urgent. Flight times from Hong Kong to the UK will be around 10 hours. If your shipment is due to be part of a consolidated flight, assigning a plane may add some time to the journey.

Anything, Anywhere from Hong Kong

The PACK & SEND Difference means that we pride ourselves on shipping strange and unusual items. Let us handle your import requirements today. Get a quote.

Online Self-Service

You have access to an alternative way of importing goods from Hong Kong using PACK & SEND Online Self-Service.

You may use PACK & SEND’s shipping capabilities with this service for less money than you would for the complete service offered at our service centres. If your shipment is pre-packaged and under 30 kg in weight, your products could be eligible.

You get to be in charge of the entire shipping process by organising the delivery, producing the labels, and tracking the goods throughout!